The opening fixture of the Junior Schools Cross Country League got under way on Wednesday at the Par Track recreation fields in some torrential rain at times.

There were some impressive performances over the two races for Year 4/5 and Year 6 pupils from ten schools and 105 finishers.

Swelled by a number of Year 4’s taking part in the combined Boys and Girls, the Year 5 race saw 70 complete the one lap course. Remarkably, first and second were both in the younger age group. Oscar Riches from Bodmin, St Petroc’s School is showing similar form to his older brothers and went well clear from the start.

Zander Haynes of Biscovey gave him a good race for second place ahead of team mates, Jack Grose and Seth Pickles to complete a strong team win. Biscovey actually took five of the first six places to give their ‘B’ team second, 4 points ahead of Gorran.

Two of the first three Year 5 Girls, had competed last year at Y4 and showed they should be in contention for the podium places at the end of the winter. Unlike the boys, these three were only separated by 4 seconds.

Isabel Rowe made it a double victory for St Petroc’s, whilst lone entry from Probus, Evie Cain and Biscovey’s Sienna Hannaford crossed the line virtually together, given the same time. Tywardreath’s trio of Ellen (4th), Georgia (9th) and Olivia (10th) took the team honours but by just two points from St Petroc’s and a further 2 points to Gorran.

All six in the top three of the Year 6 Boys and Girls race featured in the overall trophies last year as Year 5. Tommy Grose (Biscovey) was the clear winner of the combine race with Gorran team-mates Jojo Fraser and Harry Crowle 13 seconds behind.

Close behind and fifth overall was the Girls winner, Athena Jefferies (Treverbyn) and hot on her heels, Lyvie Cooper (Biscovey). Her school mate, Maya Wishart took the third spot and along with Indianna MacKenzie in 7th, they completed the third Biscovey team win, having also held off the opposition in the Boys event through Grose, Max Turner at 4th and Sam Turner finishing 9th.

Gorran were 4 points behind in the Boys with another 4 to third placed Treverbyn. Tywardreath were second Girls team and Treverbyn third.

The second race of the five match series will be on November 13 and it is anticipated that the numbers will increase.